It has been extra adventurous to transition this family from end of summer to new school year rhythms, because smack dab in the middle, we moved houses. Lessons in a new environment still under construction and in boxes with a busy non-napping 2yo in the mix, are new to me. Despite the looming feeling of beginning late, once the first day ended I remembered, "Oh that's right, this is aliving education that fills, instead of exhausts, the teacher!" Why did I forget that part? It often surprises me when my former ingrained notions of education come creeping back in.

planning like the pros

We're loving these free printable phonogram cards as a new addition to our reading lessons. They are at the end pages of the spelling journal printable. F.Y.I.

With a closet shelved with his own special 'school' toys, I was prepared to meet the little one's needs and hold the older one's attention, but the 2yo reminded me the first week that being just like big brother is way cooler. So now when we use the tally sticks, abacus, pennies and clock he gets his own little items to explore. I always think those Pintrest boards with toddler activities look so exciting, but lets get real; free play with rainbow pudding paint or a tub full of dry beans to scatter while we're trying to read and narrate is just not realistic for us. Snacks, on the other hand, are super! Remaining in an attitude of intentionally listening to and learning my children's needs/personalities smoothes out the tweaking process that comes at the start of a new year.

Acting out a narration. Drawing narrations are great too!

Happily will I report that year 2 is a nice gentle increase from year 1 academics. Longer and slightly more challenging texts but- not too much. Ambleside Online is so very wonderful to have as a resource. I was able to re-use my same weekly schedule format from last year with a few shifts in the order of the day. We're also hoping to add a ﻿music listening notebook ﻿to our composer time as described in this lovely blog post.We do about 2 1/2 hours of learning each morning with a few subjects saved for leisure time and follow a 'first, next, then' rhythm rather than rigid minute-by-minute schedule. We do use a timer for a few subjects. ****Bible/prayer/worship 15 minHymn/folksong 1x thru/ea.Memory verse 2x thruCalendar/weather Poetry- 1 poem/ review of our poet/ History/Literature Reading #1- 1 chapter from various textsNumber- 15-20 min Copywork/Handwriting- 7 min- copying a passage of his choice from beautiful literature we've readPhonics/Reading- 15-20 minHistory/Literature Reading #2- 1 ch. from another book Drawing/Audio book- Hamlet this term! Random Weekly subjects- Map drill, Outdoor Geography, Timeline, Handcraft, Nature study, PE etc.Spanish lessonComposer

exploring the fascination of a fairy ring!

And the perks of a new school year beginning are lovely! Library. sales. Oh, ya.

Thanks for sharing a peek at how things are going. :) I am drooling over your book stack!

Reply

Karla

10/3/2014 12:45:46 pm

Lovely post. About the salamander....when Jeff tried to pick up the one here at our house (looked just like yours) he said it released a white substance all over its body. Did you see anything like this?!

Reply

Bobby Jo

10/4/2014 01:36:54 am

Thanks, guys!

Karla, we didn't. but read this- the part under physical characteristics... maybe ours was not full-grown..
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?c=17+1848&aid=2953

Reply

lisa

10/4/2014 10:12:43 am

Thank you for sharing. We are learning with Ambleside Yr2 this year as well. What a delightful way to spend our days. ~lisa

"doesn't exhaust, but fills" I LOVE THAT! That should be the way of all of our days, right? Such goodness.
Bobby Jo, I posted a picture for you on my latest post.
God bless your day today. You're doing a WONDERFUL job. Your children are so very blessed.